Role of the Board of Education

Contrary to popular belief, the Board of Education (BOE)
does not run the Fair Lawn School District. Our role is to ensure that the district
is well run through the creation and updating of policies. These policies serve
as a guide to the superintendent and provide direction, a basis for
decision-making, and an imperative for action.

When hearing concerns on issues affecting the district as a
whole, our board members function as policy makers. We place these concerns on
a meeting agenda for discussion by the entire board or a board committee. The
discussions can result in new or revised district policies.

As individuals, board members cannot make decisions for the
board, take actions for the board, or speak for the board, unless the board has
authorized them to do so. As board members, we are sworn to abide by the NJ
School Board Member Code of Ethics, which defines the parameters under which we
function.

The BOE functions by committee to review staff and
administrator recommendations on the operation of the district, development of
the budget, facilities maintenance, curriculum development, etc. The Fair Lawn
BOE operates with numerous committees such as Athletics, Buildings &
Grounds, Finance, Personnel, Technology, Special Education, Student Dialogue, Shared
Services, QSAC, Community Relations and Association Dialogue/Negotiations. These
committees consist of three/four board members and a district
administrator. The Education and Policy
Committees operate as a committee of the whole. At the BOE work sessions and/or
committee meetings, committees review their action items with the full board
for discussion. At the regular BOE meeting, the board takes action by voting on
the resolutions discussed at the work session meeting. Occasionally, due to
time constraints or an urgent need, the board will take action on individual
resolutions at a work session meeting.

Sometimes, community members contact individual board
members about personal issues. When that happens, board members will rightfully
refer the person to an appropriate school staff member. Thinking that
contacting a BOE member means “going right to the top” actually complicates
rather than alleviates any problem or issue. Going around or over the heads of
school staff creates morale problems and puts board members outside their area
of responsibility. When the chain of command is used properly by citizens and
board members, it improves communication and leaves the Board of Education free
to act as final arbiter on issues that have not been resolve, at other steps in
the chain. To determine who best should handle a matter or question, ask
yourself, “Who is closest to the problem?” Most often the answer is a staff
member. Bringing your concern to a teacher or principal will quickly get a
response. If this is not the case, the next step is to seek out the superintendent. As a final step in this process, concerns can
be brought before the board.

Board members are responsible for ensuring that the Fair
Lawn School District provides its children the best education the community can
afford. We have a responsibility not only to listen to all citizens but also to
make sure those with a special point of view understand the needs of the school
system as a whole. Above all, board members are responsible for and to the
students in our schools